목적: Deep neck infection (DNI) is rare, but a potentially fatal condition. Patients with poor initial nutritional status and lack in immunity may result in poor recovery including elongated hospital stay and unexpected complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of nutritional status and laboratory finding in the patient of DNI. 방법:A retrospective review of 50 patients who were initially diagnosed with DNI in Asan Medical Center from 2007 to 2014 was conducted. Clinical demographics, initial laboratory markers (serum protein, albumin, leukocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein) and the length of hospitalization were reviewed. All values analyzed using multiple linear regression and the logistic regression analysis in order to determine parameters that are associated with longer hospitalizations and complicated deep neck infections. 결과:Total 50 subjects were divided into well-nutritioned group (76%) and malnutritioned groups (24%). There were 18 subjects (36%) who were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Mean duration of hospital stay was 15.8±10.7 days, and 10 (20%) subjects underwent intensive care unit stay. Initial mean serum protein, albumin level showed 6.4±0.8 and 3.2±0.6, respectively. CRP and WBC level were 15.9±10.6, and 14762±5871, respectively. Mean BMI was 23. 44±3.71 and lymphocyte count as 1592±910. Elevated CRP had correlation with hospitalization duration (P < 0.05). In comparison with the well-nutrioned group, the malnutritioned group tended to have older mean age (57.2 y versus 46.2 y, P < 0.05), longer duration of hospital stay (19.7 days versus 10.2 days, P < 0.0001), more frequent complications (33.9% versus 8.5%, P<0.01), and more frequent tracheostomy or intubation (19.6% versus 6.2%, P < 0.05). 결론: Poor initial nutrition status may result in treatment failure, resistance, multiple surgical drainage and complication. We recommend that high-risk groups, such as malnutritioned patients should be more closely monitored throughout their hospitalization.